Abstract: A shield for a plasma arc torch that pierces and cuts a metallic workpiece producing a splattering of molten metal directed at the torch, the shield protecting consumable components of the plasma arc torch from the splattering molten metal. The shield can include a body, a first surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a gas flow, a second surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a liquid flow, and a seal assembly configured to be secured to the body and disposed relative to the second surface configured to retain the liquid flow contact-cooling the second surface.

Abstract: A beam for use in construction equipment is made from tailor welded panels. At least one of the panels is made from at least two pieces of material such as steel welded together with the weld running the length of the beam. The weld between pieces of steel can either be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam, or the pieces can be tapered and the weld will be at an angle diverging from the longitudinal axis of the beam. The two pieces of material have a different compressive strength per unit of length in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam. In some embodiments a top panel is welded to two side panels to form two top corners of the beam and a bottom panel is welded to the two side panels to form two bottom corners of the beam.

Abstract: In a Gas Tungsten Arc or Gas Metal Arc welding method for austenitic steel that does not contain Ti or Al in a respective quantity of more than about 0.2% by weight, a welding additive containing Ti and/or Al is used in conjunction with a welding gas that contains nitrogen.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma torch can include a body that has an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end, and an exit orifice at a distal end. The nozzle can also include a liner surrounded by the inner surface of the body. The liner can include a proximal end and an exit orifice at a distal end adjacent the exit orifice of the body. The nozzle can include at least one vent passage formed in the body. The vent passage can have an inlet formed in the inner surface of the body and an outlet formed in the outer surface of the body. The vent passage can be disposed between the proximal end of the body and the proximal end of the liner. The plasma arc torch can include a configuration that allows for increased electrode life and nozzle life for a vented high current plasma process.

Abstract: A welding apparatus is provided herein. The apparatus includes a wire source having welding wire, a wire feed drive, and a wire pulser. The wire feed drive drives the welding wire from the wire source. The wire pulser has a first end associated with the wire feed drive and a second end associated with a wire conduit. The wire is fed through the wire conduit to a wire nozzle. The wire pulser increase and decrease the effective length of the wire as the wire moves through the wire conduit from the wire feed drive to the wire nozzle.

Abstract: A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes an orifice that defines a continuously changing cross-sectional size along the length of a surface of the orifice from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The surface extends along the component and directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap. The continuously changing surface may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: A method for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve in a power generating or industrial plant. An upper valve part and the internal housing fittings are removed from the housing of the shut-off valve to thereby expose a housing opening. A clamping device with a counter-bearing is introduced through the housing opening into the connection pipe and fastened to its inner wall. A machine tool with a bearing is introduced through the housing opening and mounted with its bearing on the counter-bearing. A machining step is carried out with the machine tool on the sealing seat. Then the machine tool is detached and removed through the housing opening. The clamping device is detached from the connection pipe and removed through the housing opening. Then, the upper valve part and the internal fittings are reattached to the housing.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for an induction motor includes a fixture operable to support a rotor and rotate the rotor about an axis of rotation of the motor, and a welding head supported adjacent the fixture and operable to weld conductor bars located about the surface of the rotor to the first shorting ring when the fixture supports the rotor. A controller controls the fixture to selectively rotate the rotor. The controller moves the welding head, the fixture, or both, so that the welding head is in a welding position, and causes the welding head to weld the conductor bars to the first shorting ring while remaining in the welding position, with the rotor rotating to create a substantially circular weld path along the first shorting ring. In some embodiments, the conductor bars are welded to both shorting rings simultaneously. A method of welding an induction motor is also provided.

Abstract: A non-consumable electrode type arc welding apparatus includes a torch having an electrode portion and a nozzle, a gas supply that supplies, to the torch, a shielding gas flowing through a gap formed between the electrode portion and the nozzle, a first power source that applies a voltage between the electrode portion and the nozzle to generate a pilot arc, a second power source that applies a voltage between the electrode portion and a work to generate a main arc, and a controller that controls the first power source and the second power source. The electrode portion has an electrode and an electrode holding portion holding a base portion of the electrode, the electrode holding portion has a protrusion protruding toward the nozzle from the side facing the nozzle, and the protrusion and the nozzle are caused contact and separate from each other.

Abstract: A method of applying a weld using a gas tungsten arc welding procedure. A filler element is provided to a welding location. The filler element includes a first material used during formation of a weld, and a second material that is capable of producing a slag upon melting thereof. A welding arc provides heat that melts portions of first and second components and the filler element proximate to the welding location to form a weld pool. The second material melts and forms a slag, which flows to an outer surface of the weld pool and shields the weld pool from exposure to reactive elements in the atmosphere. Upon cooling of the weld pool, the weld pool solidifies to form a weld between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a wear stop designed to detect wear of an electrode and prevent the use of the electrode once the electrode has experienced a certain amount of wear. Either the electrode or the nozzle is movable with respect to the main torch body, and the movable component defines a projection. The wear stop is positioned a predetermined distance from a nozzle of the torch, such that prior to experiencing an excessive amount of wear, the electrode is able to contact the nozzle and initiate a pilot arc for starting a torch operation. Once the length of the electrode becomes shorter than a predetermined length due to wear, the projection of the electrode engages the wear stop, and the wear stop prevents the electrode from contacting the nozzle. In this way, an electrode that is excessively worn cannot be used in subsequent torch operations.

Abstract: An improved plasma torch and method of starting the torch are provided. The torch may comprise a main torch body with an electrode assembly coupled to a piston therein. The piston and electrode assembly are moveable between a starting position whereby the electrode assembly contacts a nozzle, and an operating position whereby the electrode assembly does not contact the nozzle. The piston is moveable by directing fluid, which may comprise coolant, through the plasma torch either in a first direction which biases the piston to the starting position, or in an opposite second direction which biases the piston so as to retract the electrode assembly to the operating position. A reversing valve or reversible pump may be used to control the direction of the flow of the fluid. Thereby, the coolant supply may be used to both cool the torch and control the starting and operation of the torch.

Abstract: A TIG welding method and apparatus which enable a higher aspect ratio weld zone cross-sectional shape to be obtained and which further can prevent the heat radiated from the weld arc causing the permanent magnets to overheat, specifically a TIG welding method which causes an arc discharge between a workpiece and an electrode of a welding torch to cause the generation of a weld arc, uses permanent magnets to generate a magnetic field around the weld arc, and causes an electromagnetic force which is generated by electromagnetic interaction between the magnetic field and a current to act on a weld pool of the workpiece in welding, the TIG welding method arranging the permanent magnets around the electrode of the welding torch and moving the permanent magnets to make the magnetic field fluctuate and thereby make the drive force of convection which is applied to the weld pool fluctuate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ferritic stainless steel for hot-water tanks with welded structure, comprising, in terms of % by mass, at most 0.02% of C, from 0.01 to 0.30% of Si, at most 1% of Mn, at most 0.04% of P, at most 0.03% of S, from more than 21 to 26% of Cr, at most 2% of Mo, from 0.05 to 0.6% of Nb, from 0.05 to 0.4% of Ti, at most 0.025% of N, and from 0.02 to 0.3% of Al, and optionally containing at least one of at most 2%, preferably from 0.1 to 2% of Ni and at most 1%, preferably from 0.1 to 1% of Cu, with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A welding method is provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process.

Abstract: Provisions of shields for protecting welds as well as providing heat treatments are advantageous. Previously such shields were bespoke constructions produced iteratively and empirically for particular applications and uses. By utilization of accurately cut sheets of material within which labyrinths are created it is possible to produce an output flow which is even and incorporates no vortexes. In such circumstances problems with regard to edge entrainment of oxygen causing possible oxidation problems in output flows as well as variations in heat treatments can be avoided. The shield also avoids use of welds which may become distorted during welding or heat treating processes. For reproducibility the shield is formed from accurately produced reproducibility components such that shields can be made at a number of sites to provide the same shield function.

Abstract: A drag tip for use in a plasma cutting torch is provided that includes an inner tip portion defining a distal end face, an inner cavity through which a plasma gas flows, and an orifice disposed between the distal end face and the inner cavity. An outer tip portion surrounds the inner tip portion and defines an inner chamber to accommodate a flow of secondary gas and also a distal end portion. The distal end face of the inner tip portion is adapted for contact with a workpiece and extends distally beyond the distal end portion of the outer tip portion, and the flow of secondary gas exits the outer tip portion proximate the distal end portion. Variations of the drag tip and methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.

Abstract: A first tubular, inner radial annular seam is produced to weld together two hollow cylinders by narrow-gap tungsten inert gas arc welding. Narrow-gap metal gas-shielded arc welding is used to create another tubular, outer radial annular seam to further weld together both hollow cylinders. In this manner, the rotational axis of the rotor shaft remains vertically aligned throughout the entire production method of welding together the shaft parts. In this manner, the required production time can be advantageously reduced and the use of welding filler can be effectively decreased.

Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.

Abstract: A plasma torch having a multi-position head is disclosed. The plasma torch includes a torch body and a torch head pivotably connected thereto. Such a construction provides a single plasma torch having several head-to-handle orientations thereby providing a highly versatile plasma torch assembly.

Abstract: A welding apparatus is provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The apparatus heats the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding mixer, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during heating.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.

Abstract: A collet assembly with a universal collet is provided. One collet assembly of a welding torch includes a collet having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the collet is configured to contact a welding electrode disposed through the collet. The welding torch also includes a spacer configured to be disposed in a welding torch head and to compress the collet against the welding electrode to secure the welding electrode in the torch.

Abstract: In a method of producing a material joint between a hollow section of steel and a structural element of an aluminum material, hollow section is aligned in relation to the structural element in a coupling position. One end of the hollow section is placed upon a shoulder of the structural element, and the end of the hollow section is connected with the structural element by thermal joining, using inert gas shielded arc welding. A welding torch is hereby positioned at an angle of 20° to 40° in relation to an axial direction in a welding position in relation to a joining seam to be realized, and the axial direction is oriented in parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the hollow section.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a workpiece include directing a plasma arc to the workpiece and using a dielectric shield or dielectric coating to protect a forward portion (e.g., a torch head) of a plasma arc torch. The dielectric shield or dielectric coating covers a nozzle disposed within the torch head and protects the nozzle from the effects of slag and double arcing. The shield also improves operator visibility due to the spatial relationship between the dielectric shield and the nozzle.

Abstract: A Penetration Enhancing Activating Flux (PEAF) in paste form for autogenous TIG welding of austenitic stainless steels adapted for ready application with a brush on top weld surface prior to conducting autogenous TIG welding to favor single weld pass, of austenitic stainless steels of AISI 304LN and AISI 316LN varieties with weld bead penetration up to a section thickness of 12 mm. Importantly, the (PEAF) paste based TIG welding of the invention achieves an increase in weld bead penetration of about 300% over the conventional TIG process without activating flux. The PEAF paste based TIG welding also favors higher productivity and high quality apart from being cost-effective due to less requirement of consumables and controlled heat input to arrest distortion, making it widely acceptable for variety of industrial applications for welding of austenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas-cooled plasma arc torch. Components of the torch can include an electrode, nozzle and a shield, each of which can be gas-cooled. The nozzle can be disposed relative to the electrode and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the nozzle to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch. The shield can be disposed relative to the nozzle and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the shield to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centralizing tool, and to a method of forming a centralizing tool. A disclosed method of assembling a wellbore centralizer includes the step of providing a plurality of centralizing members, each centralizing member being of unitary construction and having a first circumferential part, a second circumferential part, and a longitudinal part disposed between the first and second circumferential parts. A first collar is formed by welding the first circumferential parts into a ring. A second collar is formed by welding the second circumferential parts into a ring.

Abstract: A welding torch for gas tungsten arc welding, the welding torch including a torch head and a torch handle. The torch head includes a hollow inner body in electrical contact with one terminal of an electric power source, the inner body having an interior through which an axially positioned electrode extends, a free end of the electrode projecting beyond an electrode contact region of the inner body, and there being an inner gas chamber defined above the contact region within the interior of the inner body about the electrode. The torch head also includes a collet that provides the contact region where the inner body is in positive electrical contact with the electrode above the electrode free end, a gas shroud extending around but spaced from the electrode free end to define an outer gas chamber that allows, in use, gas to shield the electrode free end, and means for circulating coolant about or above the contact region to extract heat from the contact region.

Abstract: A contact tip includes a first threaded section and a first non-threaded section. The length of the first non-threaded section is at least a fifth of the length of the first threaded section along a longitudinal axis. The contact tip further includes a first contact surface. A diffuser includes a second non-threaded section and a second threaded section configured to mate with the first threaded section of the contact tip. The diffuser further includes a second contact surface. The first non-threaded section is configured to elongate along the longitudinal axis as the first threaded section is screwed into the second threaded section past a point where the first contact surface and the second contact surface have established contact.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding arrangement designed to respond to the need of an improved welding system that aids in supplying filler material to a weld location. Provided is a welding system including a welding gun and a welding wire feed directly coupled to the welding gun. The welding gun includes a filler material housing, a filler material positioning extension, and a manual advancement device configured to advance a filler material through the welding wire feed. Further provided is a method of operating a welding gun. The method includes passing a current between an electrode and a work piece at a weld location, and advancing a filler material toward the weld location via a channel of a positioning extension in response to engagement of a manual advancement device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to welding methods and, more particularly, to methods for welding in a horizontal position and a joint structure suitable for such methods. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of forming a welded joint between two components, the method comprising: aligning a first and second component to form a joint therebetween, the joint comprising: a protrusion of the first component, and a recess of the second component, wherein the protrusion and recess have complimentary shapes; orienting the first and second components such that a major axis of each is oriented vertically; and welding the first and second components at a substantially horizontally-oriented root opening, the substantially horizontally-oriented root opening positioned along the joint.

Abstract: A composition for welding or brazing aluminum comprises silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) along with aluminum in an alloy suitable for use in welding and brazing. The Si content may vary between approximately 4.7 and 10.9 wt %, and the Mg content may vary between approximately 0.15 wt % and 0.50 wt %. The alloy is well suited for operations in which little or no dilution from the base metal affects the Si and/or Mg content of the filler metal. The Si content promotes fluidity and avoids stress concentrations and cracking. The Mg content provides enhanced strength. Resulting joints may have a strength at least equal to that of the base metal with little or no dilution (e.g., draw of Mg). The joints may be both heat treated and artificially aged or naturally aged.

Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.

Abstract: A method is described, for treating a superalloy substrate which includes at least one cavity containing adherent metal oxide material on its surface. A short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed against the cavity surface for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all of the adherent metal oxide material. The laser beam is characterized by a peak power density in the range of about 10 megawatts/cm2 to about 10 gigawatts/cm2. In another embodiment, a high-power, short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed to a region on the substrate which includes the cavity, under laser operational conditions which are capable of cutting into the superalloy material; so that a boundary region is formed within the substrate, which encloses the cavity. The cavity can be a crack in a turbine blade, and the crack can be repaired after treatment, by welding, or by another suitable technique.

Abstract: An erosion resistant torch for use in a solid free form fabrication system for manufacturing a component from successive layers of metal feedstock material. The erosion resistant torch includes a torch structure defining a torch nozzle formed of a highly conductive bulk material. The erosion resistant torch further includes a gas flow channel and an orifice defined therein. An arc electrode is disposed within the gas flow channel. An erosion resistant material is disposed between the torch nozzle and the arc electrode in the form of a coating layer or an erosion resistant insert. The erosion resistant material is formed of one of a refractory material or a ceramic material.

Abstract: In a process to connect components, especially metal components (1, 2), by at least one welding process, the components (1, 2) are at first brought together, or joined together, and are then simultaneously welded together at—at least—two differently located joining spots (3, 4) by a laser welding process and with the aid of robot control.

Abstract: An alloy comprising about 0.5 weight percent to about 2 weight percent carbon, about 15 weight percent to about 30 weight percent chromium, about 4 weight percent to about 12 weight percent nickel, up to about 3 weight percent manganese, up to about 2.5 weight percent silicon, up to about 1 weight percent zirconium, up to about 3 weight percent molybdenum, up to about 3 weight percent tungsten, up to about 0.5 weight percent boron, up to about 0.5 weight percent impurities, and iron.

Abstract: A method for welding dissimilar metals involved selecting a steel having approximately 1-3 weight % chromium (Cr) content and a first coefficient of thermal expansion at a predetermined first temperature for a first part [14], selecting a nickel-based alloy having a second coefficient of thermal expansion at a second predetermined temperature for a second part [12], the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion having a maximum difference of approximately 2-3% when the first predetermined temperature is approximately 500-550° C. and the second predetermined temperature is approximately 600-650° C., then welding the first part to the second part [12].

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the flow of gases through a plasma arc torch are provided. A flow of plasma gas is directed to a plasma chamber, a first flow of auxiliary gas is directed around a plasma stream that exits a tip in one of a swirling manner and a radial manner, and a second flow of auxiliary gas is directed around the first flow of auxiliary gas and the plasma stream in one of a coaxial manner, an angled manner, and a radial manner. The first flow of auxiliary gas functions to constrict and shape the plasma stream to improve cut quality and cut speed, and the second flow of auxiliary gas functions to protect the plasma arc torch during piercing and cutting and to cool components of the plasma arc torch such that thicker workpieces may be processed with a highly shaped plasma stream.

Abstract: A device and a method for plasma spraying are disclosed. The device comprises, a cathode, an anode, a plasma channel formed by the anode and intermediate electrodes, and one or more flowable material injectors. The plasma channel has a throttling portion that divides the plasma channel into a high pressure portion near the cathode formed by at least one intermediate electrode and a low pressure portion near the anode. During operation, a plasma generating gas is heated by the arc maintained between the cathode and the anode, forming plasma. When the plasma passes through the throttling portion, its speed increases to a supersonic speed, and at the same time its static pressure drops. Flowable materials are injected in the plasma flow in the low pressure portion. The particles in the flowable materials are heated by the plasma and the resultant heated particles and plasma are output from the outlet of the plasma channel.

Abstract: A method of welding a circuit conductor and one of a plurality of terminals of an electronic component of a control apparatus by melting and joining by a welding arc from a first electrode of a micromini TIG welder, the method includes: using the electronic component including the terminals which are apart from each other; and arc-welding while only the one of the plurality of the terminals of the electronic component of the control apparatus which is to be welded and the circuit conductor to be welded are sandwiched by an earth clamp jig serving as a second electrode so that the one of the plurality of the terminals of the electronic component of the control apparatus which is to be welded and the circuit conductor to be welded are grounded.

Abstract: A welding method based on the mig welding process, intended for the manufacture of a removable ball rod for private motor vehicles, which ball rod is built up of a coupling member arranged as a forging and a ball rod produced as a pivoting member, includes welding the two said members together by means of a continuously executed mig welding operation while use is made of a stationary welding gun (or a plurality of stationary welding guns) and a welding manipulator with the two members to be welded together being rotated around a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A process of forming an encapsulated magnet assembly is provided, the process comprising welding a second portion of a housing cover formed of a non-magnetic material to a first portion of a housing cover formed of a magnetic material to provide a welded housing cover and subsequently heat-treating the welded housing cover at a temperature effective to relieve weld stress; disposing a magnet within a housing comprising at least one wall formed of the non-magnetic material and defining at least one aperture; and welding the heat treated welded housing cover to the housing such that the second portion of the housing cover is fixedly attached to the housing wall to hermetically seal the aperture. In one embodiment, the magnet of the encapsulated magnet assembly is a permanent magnet, and in an alternate embodiment an electromagnet. In one embodiment the encapsulated magnet assembly is a component of a stator-rotor assembly.

Abstract: In conventional hot wire welding, the deposition rate and temperature cannot be adjusted. A process for welding a component in which a heated welding wire is fed to the component is provided. Through the potential-free heating of the welding wire, the deposition rate and temperature may be further increased. A welding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In a negative electrode including a negative electrode plate, a negative electrode lead, and an alloy layer, the negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a thin film-like negative electrode active material layer including an alloy-based negative electrode active material and being formed on a surface of the negative electrode current collector; the negative electrode lead contains at least one metal or alloy selected from the group consisting of nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and copper alloys; and the negative electrode current collector and the negative electrode lead are bonded to each other via an alloy layer. As such, in the negative electrode utilizing an alloy-based negative electrode active material, the negative electrode current collector and the negative electrode lead are bonded to each other in an efficient and secured manner, and the conductivity between the negative electrode current collector and the negative electrode lead is improved.